Micky Mellon is starting to run out of time to transform Oldham Athletic's fortunes after the Latics slumped to another defeat in League Two.
Orchestrator of Oldham's return to the Football League by winning the 2024/25 National League title, Mellon led the Greater Manchester outfit to 10th in League Two last term, leading to expectation that they could build on those foundations in the 2026/27 campaign.
Taking seven points from their opening four matches, Oldham have since found it tough, winning just two of their next 11 to loiter above the relegation zone.
Defeat to Shrewsbury Town was their fourth in six matches and pressure is mounting on Mellon to solve their current woes and lead Oldham up the standings.
We've assessed the candidates in the frame to succeed Mellon if Oldham decide to part ways with the long-serving manager.
Next Oldham Athletic manager contenders
Stuart Maynard
He's the name on the lips of every supporter who has doubts concerning their current manager in League Two and the National League.
Stuart Maynard led York City to promotion from the National League last season following a remarkable title battle with Rochdale, accruing 108 points and scoring an astounding 114 goals - averaging 2.47 per match.
His reward for ending York City's decade-long Football League exile was the sack, as the Minstermen relieved him of his duties in favour of appointing Scott Lindsey.
Maynard will feel he has a point to prove in League Two given how his Notts County tenure soured, and the former Wealdstone boss could deliver the exciting brand of football Latics supporters desire.
Kevin Maher
Kevin Maher's managerial career is a 243-game stint in charge of Southend United, where he navigated challenging financial circumstances and off-field distractions to stabilise the club and preserve their National League status.
The Shrimpers legend then delivered consecutive top-seven finishes, falling short in the play-offs on both occasions, before delivering FA Trophy glory at Wembley in the previous campaign.
Maher's dismissal, which was actioned two days after their FA Trophy triumph, was greeted with dismay and the 50-year-old will have a long list of suitors for the body of work he'd undertaken at Roots Hall.
The former midfielder spent a season with Oldham as a player, but his allegiance to the club is not as strong as his Southend connection, and it would be fascinating to see if he'd perform outside of the Shrimpers environment.
Luke Williams
How times have changed for Luke Williams.
Little over 18 months ago the Londoner was regarded as one of the smartest coaches outside of the Premier League when he was secure positive results at Swansea City on the back of his impressive work at Notts County.
However, after being relinquished of his role in South Wales, Williams has since been dismissed from his latest post in Peterborough United, leaving the 45-year-old at a career crossroads.
Would he be willing to take the drop to League Two? It certainly feels like Williams needs a job that can reignite his passion for football given the manner he's Peterborough tenure petered out.
Craig Mahon
Could Oldham be tempted to take a gamble on a relatively inexperienced head coach who's making waves with AFC Fylde?
Craig Mahon was a tricky winger on his day, and the Dubliner transitioned into coaching whilst in the latter stages of his playing career with Curzon Ashton.
Offered the permanent managerial role at the Greater Manchester club in February 2024, Mahon led Curzon Ashton to a club-record points tally and a record number of clean sheets in the 2024/25 National League North season before he was headhunted for the AFC Fylde job.
The 37-year-old orchestrated the Coasters' immediate return to the fifth tier, accruing 100 points to pip South Shields to the National League North title. Back in the National League, Mahon has Fylde in the play-off places, continuing the club's impressive transformation.
